Fading footprints on the boards lead down the quay; an empty chair remains

E2 is now a poorer place.

It's not that we have lost our nodes, or mission, or purpose; rather, that whistling sigh that is fading slowly from the door is all we have where once the Conscience of the King did stand, the Play no longer able to catch and hold him here.

And now, apparently, no more. I can only hope that it wasn't what I did that helped to drive him off; indeed, I hope he wasn't 'driven off' but simply chose to take the road less travelled by, but again, not my business unless he makes it so.

I ask you this - all of you - don't let the hole he leaves stay sharp and plain. When you read new nodes, or messages, from now on - help keep our Quality up, and think to yourself "What would wharf do?" Sure, he might skewer it where you would not; I'm not saying do what he would have done. But think about it. Keep the thread of sarcastic self-examination, willingness to go the extra mile and unshaking stoicism in the face of torrential tides of bullshit alive.

Wharf, if you do read this, I'll keep a reading chair warm for ya.

And to all those who may downvote this or (in some cases) celebrate this departure - be my guest; I don't care what you do, but I care that you just don't get it. If that's your take, you simply have missed the point, and I'm sorry.